Confidentiality and HIV
A 25-year-old white man with no symptoms, attends the genitourinary medicine clinic. He reports that his boyfriend of 2 years, has advised him to attend. He says he was diagnosed and treated for syphilis the week before at the same clinic. This patient has had no other partners since his last negative tests 2 years ago and says his boyfriend had a negative HIV test last year. This patient consents to all tests including an HIV test. While the patient is waiting for his tests, the doctor pulls out his file. She confirms that he was diagnosed with syphilis last week but also notices that he is HIV-positive and has attended this center for the past 4 years for HIV care. His next appointment is in 2 days.
- How should the doctor proceed with this consultation? What should she say to this patient’s boyfriend?
- Does the fact that both patients are under the care of the same clinic affect the doctor’s decision?
- What should be said to the patient’s boyfriend at his next appointment?
- Would the doctor be liable if she breached this patient’s confidentiality or if she did not inform his boyfriend of his ongoing risk?
Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)
Clinical Ethics and Law, Second edition. Carolyn Johnston, Penelope Bradbury, Series editor: Janice Ryme
